It’s that time again, when I get to mention some of the wonderful blessings that I am most thankful for. There is a long list, just some of which will make this year’s column. Maybe just a few of them are on your list too, and at the very least might prompt you to consider some more of your own. Here are the things that I am thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day.

This morning’s Butterball 5K at the Forum, always a well-planned event that is festive and fun and gets the holiday started with the promise of an extra piece of pie later for the effort — even better, the proceeds go to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and the Terrie Hess House.

Catawba College’s football team, getting better each year again after a stellar season. Soon they will be like Jim Gantt’s baseball team, better than competitive every year.

Veterans like J.L. Horton and so many others who have protected our freedom from World War II forward. I am especially thankful that many of them let me interview and write about them. Dignity is my favorite word when I think of those veterans. The Price of Freedom Museum is the hub for much of this activity.

Stephen Curry’s entertaining play on the basketball court, and even more so “know it all” analyst Seth Greenberg who said Curry was too small and not athletic enough to play for Virginia Tech. That sent him to Davidson College where my family got to see him play for three years. Maybe I am most thankful because Curry is the right kind of role model for today’s kids.

Bike symbols on Salisbury streets and a greater emphasis on cycling as a mode of transportation. The Salisbury Bike Coalition had much to do with this.

The rains that finally came after a long drought this summer. One farmer told me the other day that this drought was worse on farmers than the one from 29 years ago that resulted in the “Great Hay Lift” from the Midwest farmers to Rowan County.

Another fun and safe long distance bike ride. Each one just makes me so thankful that the Post readers ride along. Can’t wait for the next one! Special thanks to Andy Mooney, Chris Verner, Jon Lakey and Elizabeth Cook for helping with “Riding the Rails to Freedom,” making it much better than I could have.

Flying adventures with Larry Macon in his Pitt’s Special stunt plane and Charles Cook in a glider from Piedmont Soaring, and another one with Darryl Fisher and Ageless Aviation’s WW ll-era biplane. All of these are just too much fun.

One daughter who moved back to Salisbury and became a decent triathlete and another who lost 50 pounds on the way to better health. They are the daughters I always hoped they would be.

My favorite TV shows, “Last Man Standing” and “The Middle,” both offering some good life lessons.

The recent interest of high school runners in helping the young kids in the many local fun runs. This practice will help the kids have a better experience while they learn and are encouraged by those that they likely can most relate to. Those same kids might become high school runners themselves.

The fantastic start for the Carolina Panthers. I once spent a winter in Green Bay where nobody is out on the roads during a Packers game. It might soon be the same here if the Panthers’ good play continues. Here’s hoping for another win this afternoon.

The simple joys and traditions of the holidays.  Hard to beat my 55-foot-tall windmill Christmas tree and 12-foot Santa. They would both look better with a white Christmas this year. That would be extra, but I can still wish for it.

And as always, the biggest thank you to all those in uniform who allow us to savor this special day with friends and family.

I hope this list has been enjoyable. “One should use common words to say uncommon things” is a favorite quote and just exactly what I hope to do. Thanks to the Post for letting me continue this tradition. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving Day and count your blessings! Go Panthers!